Leviticus 13:28
New International Version
If, however, the spot is unchanged and has not spread in the skin but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce them clean; it is only a scar from the burn.

New Living Translation
But if the affected area has not changed or spread on the skin and has faded, it is simply a swelling from the burn. The priest will then pronounce the person ceremonially clean, for it is only the scar from the burn.

English Standard Version
But if the spot remains in one place and does not spread in the skin, but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar of the burn.

Berean Standard Bible
But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest is to pronounce him clean; for it is only the scar from the burn.

Berean Literal Bible
And if the bright spot stands in its place, it has not spread in the skin, and it has faded, it is the swelling of the burn; and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar of the burn.

King James Bible
And if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not in the skin, but it be somewhat dark; it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning.

New King James Version
But if the bright spot stays in one place, and has not spread on the skin, but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn. The priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar from the burn.

New American Standard Bible
But if the bright spot remains in its place and has not spread in the skin, but is dim, it is the swelling from the burn; and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is only the scar of the burn.

NASB 1995
“But if the bright spot remains in its place and has not spread in the skin, but is dim, it is the swelling from the burn; and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is only the scar of the burn.

NASB 1977
“But if the bright spot remains in its place, and has not spread in the skin, but is dim, it is the swelling from the burn; and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is only the scar of the burn.

Legacy Standard Bible
But if the bright spot remains in its place and has not spread in the skin but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn; and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is only the scar of the burn.

Amplified Bible
But if the bright spot remains in its place and has not spread in the skin, but is dull in color, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean; for it is the scar of the burn.

Berean Annotated Bible
But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest is to pronounce him clean; for it is only the scar from the burn.

Christian Standard Bible
But if the spot has remained where it was and has not spread on the skin but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn. The priest is to pronounce him clean, for it is only the scar from the burn.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if the spot has remained where it was and has not spread on the skin but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn. The priest is to pronounce him clean, for it is only the scar from the burn.”

American Standard Version
And if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread in the skin, but be dim; it is the rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is the scar of the burning.

Contemporary English Version
However, if the infection hasn't spread and has begun to heal, and if only a scar remains, he will say, "Only a scar remains from the burn, and you are clean."

English Revised Version
And if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread in the skin, but be dim; it is the rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is the scar of the burning.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If the irritated area does not spread but has faded, it is only a sore caused by the burn. The priest must declare him clean, because it is a scar caused by the burn.

Good News Translation
But if the spot remains unchanged and does not spread and is light in color, it is not a dreaded skin disease. The priest shall pronounce you ritually clean, because it is only a scar from the burn.

International Standard Version
But if the bright spot remains in place, doesn't spread in the skin, and it's dull, it's the swelling of the burned area. The priest is to declare him clean, since it's the scar from a burn."

NET Bible
But if the bright spot stays in its place, has not spread on the skin, and it has faded, then it is the swelling of the burn, so the priest is to pronounce him clean, because it is the scar of the burn.

New Heart English Bible
If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn't spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean; for it is the scar from the burn.

Webster's Bible Translation
And if the bright spot shall stay in its place, and not spread in the skin, but be somewhat dark; it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest is to pronounce him clean; for it is only the scar from the burn.

World English Bible
If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn’t spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar from the burn.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if the bright spot stays in its place, it has not spread in the skin, and has faded; it [is] a rising of the burning, and the priest has pronounced him clean; for it [is] inflammation of the burning.

Berean Literal Bible
And if the bright spot stands in its place, it has not spread in the skin, and it has faded, it is the swelling of the burn; and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar of the burn.

Young's Literal Translation
And if the bright spot stay in its place, it hath not spread in the skin, and is become weak; a rising of the burning it is, and the priest hath pronounced him clean; for it is inflammation of the burning.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if the brightness shall stand still, the lowest, spreading not in the skin, and it was dim; it a rising of the burning, and the priest cleansed him: for it a scar of the burning.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if the whiteness stay in its place, and be not very clear, it is the sore of a burning, and therefore he shall be cleansed, because it is only the scar of a burning.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if the whiteness stays in its place and is not very clear, it is the mark of a burn, and for this reason he shall be declared clean, because it is only the scar from a burn.

New American Bible
But if the blotch remains the same without spreading on the skin and is faded, it is merely the spot of the burn; the priest shall therefore declare the person clean, since it is only the scar of the burn.

New Revised Standard Version
But if the spot remains in one place and does not spread in the skin but has abated, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean; for it is the scar of the burn.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if the shiny spot stays in its place and does not spread in the skin and is somewhat even, it is a scab of the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean; because it is the scab of the burn.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if the shiny spot remains in its place and it has not changed in the skin but it is even, it is the sore of a burn; the Priest shall declare it clean because it is the sore of a burn.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread in the skin, but be dim, it is the rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean; for it is the scar of the burning.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if the bright spot remain stationary, and be not spread in the skin, but the sore should be dark, it is a scar of inflammation; and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the mark of the inflammation.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws about Skin Diseases
27On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine him, and if it has spread further on the skin, the priest must pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection. 28But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest is to pronounce him clean; for it is only the scar from the burn. 29If a man or woman has an infection on the head or chin,…

Cross References
But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin

Numbers 16:48
He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted.

2 Samuel 24:25
And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted.

Deuteronomy 24:8-9
In cases of infectious skin diseases, be careful to diligently follow everything the Levitical priests instruct you. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. / Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.
but has faded,

Exodus 4:6-7
Furthermore, the LORD said to Moses, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, white as snow. / “Put your hand back inside your cloak,” said the LORD. So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his skin.

2 Kings 5:14
So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.

Job 33:25
then his flesh is refreshed like a child’s; he returns to the days of his youth.
it is a swelling from the burn,

Proverbs 6:27-28
Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned? / Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?

Daniel 3:27
and when the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers had gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men. Not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
and the priest is to pronounce him clean;

Leviticus 14:7
Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the skin disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and release the live bird into the open field.

Matthew 8:4
Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”

Luke 17:14
When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.
for it is only the scar from the burn.

Job 5:18
For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal.

Hosea 6:1
Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.

Jeremiah 30:17
But I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD, because they call you an outcast, Zion, for whom no one cares.”
Matthew 8:2-4
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”


Treasury of Scripture

And if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not in the skin, but it be somewhat dark; it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning.

Jump to Previous
Bright Burn Burning Clean Dark Dim Effect Faded Gets Greater Hasn't However Inflammation Keeps Less Mark Pale Priest Pronounce Pronounced Rising Scar Size Skin Somewhat Spot Spread Stays Swelling Unchanged Weak
Jump to Next
Bright Burn Burning Clean Dark Dim Effect Faded Gets Greater Hasn't However Inflammation Keeps Less Mark Pale Priest Pronounce Pronounced Rising Scar Size Skin Somewhat Spot Spread Stays Swelling Unchanged Weak
Leviticus 13
1. The laws whereby the priest is to be guided in discerning the leprosy.












But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread on the skin
This phrase indicates a condition of stability in the skin ailment, suggesting that the spot has not worsened or expanded. In the context of Levitical law, the unchanged nature of the spot is crucial for determining ritual purity. The unchanged spot signifies that the condition is not contagious or indicative of a more serious disease like leprosy. This reflects the meticulous nature of the priestly examination process, emphasizing the importance of careful observation and patience in making a diagnosis. The stability of the spot can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual steadfastness, where believers are encouraged to remain firm in their faith and not be swayed by external circumstances.

but has faded
The fading of the spot suggests healing or a reduction in severity, which is a positive sign in the context of Levitical purity laws. Fading indicates that the condition is not active or spreading, which is a key factor in determining cleanliness. This can be seen as a symbol of redemption and restoration, where what was once a cause for concern is now diminishing. In a broader biblical context, fading can be associated with the idea of sin being washed away or reduced through repentance and divine intervention, as seen in passages like Isaiah 1:18, where sins are made as white as snow.

it is a swelling from the burn
This phrase identifies the cause of the skin condition as a burn, which is a common injury in ancient times due to cooking, fire use, and warfare. The mention of a burn highlights the practical aspects of Levitical law, which takes into account various causes of skin conditions. The swelling from a burn is distinguished from other skin diseases, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis. In a spiritual sense, burns and their scars can symbolize trials and suffering, which, though painful, can lead to growth and purification, much like the refining process described in Malachi 3:2-3.

and the priest is to pronounce him clean
The role of the priest as a mediator and judge in matters of purity is underscored here. The priest's pronouncement of cleanliness is not just a medical diagnosis but a declaration of the individual's ability to rejoin the community and participate in religious life. This reflects the priestly authority and the importance of community and worship in Israelite society. The priest's role can be seen as a type of Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest, mediating on our behalf and declaring us clean through His sacrifice, as described in Hebrews 4:14-16.

for it is only the scar from the burn
The final phrase confirms the non-threatening nature of the condition, as it is merely a scar. Scars are evidence of past wounds but also of healing. In biblical symbolism, scars can represent the enduring marks of past trials and the faithfulness of God in bringing healing and restoration. This can be connected to the scars of Christ, which are a testament to His sacrifice and victory over sin and death, as seen in John 20:27, where Jesus shows His scars to Thomas. The acknowledgment of scars as part of one's history and testimony is a powerful reminder of God's redemptive work in the lives of believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator and judge in matters of ceremonial cleanliness, reflecting the role of spiritual leadership in ancient Israel.

2. Person with a Burn
Represents individuals who have suffered physical injury and are undergoing examination for ceremonial cleanliness.

3. Israelite Community
The broader context involves maintaining the purity and holiness of the community as commanded by God.

4. Tabernacle
The place where the presence of God dwells, necessitating the purity of those who approach it.

5. Ceremonial Law
The laws given to Israel to maintain holiness and cleanliness, reflecting God's standards.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Community
The importance of maintaining purity within the community reflects God's call for His people to be set apart.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
The priest's role in examining and pronouncing cleanliness highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and care for their communities.

Physical and Spiritual Healing
The examination of physical ailments can be seen as a metaphor for addressing spiritual issues, emphasizing the need for both physical and spiritual healing.

God's Standards
The detailed laws remind us of God's high standards for holiness and the need for His people to strive for purity in all aspects of life.

Compassion and Restoration
The process of examination and pronouncement of cleanliness shows God's desire for restoration and inclusion of individuals back into the community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 13:28?

2. How does Leviticus 13:28 guide us in discerning spiritual cleanliness today?

3. What does "white swelling" symbolize in our spiritual walk with God?

4. How can we apply Leviticus 13:28 to maintaining purity in our lives?

5. What connections exist between Leviticus 13:28 and New Testament teachings on purity?

6. How does understanding Leviticus 13:28 deepen our appreciation for Christ's cleansing work?

7. How does Leviticus 13:28 relate to the concept of ritual purity in ancient Israel?

8. What does Leviticus 13:28 reveal about the role of priests in diagnosing skin diseases?

9. How does Leviticus 13:28 reflect the historical context of health practices in biblical times?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 13?

11. How could priests with no formal medical training accurately diagnose skin diseases (Leviticus 13:1-8)?

12. Does commanding people with suspicious spots to remain quarantined align with modern understandings of infectious diseases (Leviticus 13:4-5)?

13. Why does the text attribute certain skin conditions to divine judgment instead of natural causes (Leviticus 13:9-17)?

14. What were the key events in Aaron's life?
What Does Leviticus 13:28 Mean
But if the spot is unchanged

“ But if the spot is unchanged …” (Leviticus 13:28) sets the scene for careful observation. God instructed the priest to pause and look again after seven days (see Leviticus 13:23). By requiring time and re-inspection, the Lord safeguarded people from rash judgments and needless isolation.

• This pause mirrors Proverbs 18:13—wise judgment waits for full evidence.

• The unchanging nature of the mark shows stability, hinting it is not active disease.


and has not spread on the skin

Failure to spread distinguishes a harmless mark from infectious leprosy. Leviticus 13:7 and 13:35 tie spread directly to impurity.

• God’s law teaches discernment: external growth often reflects internal corruption (compare 2 Timothy 2:17).

• No spread equals no threat, underscoring God’s protection over the camp (Numbers 5:2-3).


but has faded

Fading color signals healing. As Psalm 103:3 reminds, the Lord “heals all your diseases.”

• Discoloration turning lighter demonstrates the body’s recovery.

• The priest looks for evidence of God-given restoration, echoing 2 Kings 5:14 where Naaman’s flesh became “like the flesh of a little child.”


it is a swelling from the burn

A burn leaves a raised scar. The text clarifies this is trauma, not infection.

Exodus 21:25 mentions burns in civil law; here, ceremonial law distinguishes them from defilement.

• Physical injury is not automatically spiritual impurity—Romans 8:23 notes our bodies “groan,” yet we await redemption.


and the priest is to pronounce him clean

The priest’s declaration restores community life (Leviticus 13:13).

• Pronouncing “clean” reflects God’s authority mediated through His servant (Deuteronomy 17:9-10).

• Pointing forward, Jesus—our great High Priest—declares believers clean (John 15:3).


for it is only the scar from the burn

The closing phrase removes all doubt: this mark is purely a scar.

• Scars tell stories of past pain yet present healing; Paul bore “marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).

• The distinction protects worship purity while showing mercy to the injured (Micah 6:8).


summary

Leviticus 13:28 demonstrates God’s wise care: observe patiently, discern accurately, and restore quickly. An unchanging, non-spreading, fading spot is merely a burn scar, so the priest confidently declares cleanliness. The passage teaches us to avoid hasty condemnation, recognize true healing, and celebrate the Savior who pronounces us clean and welcomes us into fellowship.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

the spot
הַבַּהֶ֜רֶת (hab·ba·he·reṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 934: A whitish spot on the skin

is unchanged
תַעֲמֹ֨ד (ṯa·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

and has not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

spread
פָשְׂתָ֤ה (p̄ā·śə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6581: To spread

on the skin
בָעוֹר֙ (ḇā·‘ō·wr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5785: Skin, hide, leather

but has faded,
כֵהָ֔ה (ḵê·hāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3544: Dim, dull, faint

it
וְהִ֣וא (wə·hi·w)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a swelling
שְׂאֵ֥ת (śə·’êṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7613: An elevation, leprous scab, elation, cheerfulness, exaltation in rank, character

from the burn,
הַמִּכְוָ֖ה (ham·miḵ·wāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4348: A burnt spot, scar of a burn

and the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

is to pronounce him clean;
וְטִֽהֲרוֹ֙ (wə·ṭi·hă·rōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

it
הִ֑וא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is only the scar
צָרֶ֥בֶת (ṣā·re·ḇeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6867: Scab, scar (of a sore)

from the burn.
הַמִּכְוָ֖ה (ham·miḵ·wāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4348: A burnt spot, scar of a burn


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OT Law: Leviticus 13:28 If the bright spot stays in its (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 13:27
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